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Ark of the Covenant

What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Islamic teachings and history? I know that the Bible mentions that it was used during battle in the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and was instrumental in a lot of the "miracles" and other supernatural phenomena associated with it, apparently including parting of waters and the taking of the city of Jericho. Does Islamic history also mention such powers emanating from the Ark of the Covenant?

Is there any account of it being used for the winning of battles and other such uses by the Islamic army? Could its use have been instrumental in the fast growth and expansion of the Muslim empire that eventually became larger and more powerful than the Roman Empire?

Does that also mean that the Ark of the Covenant was then hidden by the Muslims to be uncovered at a much later time?

Also, if such an artifact was found today would it be subject to intense scientific experimentation or revered and protected as a holy remnant?

Re: Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol according to the Koran:

Their Prophet [i.e. Samuel] said to them: "A Sign of [God's] authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the covenant, with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if ye indeed have faith." (Surah 2, verse 238, Yusuf Ali)

Re: Ark of the Covenant

Originally Posted by jafri

What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Islamic teachings and history? I know that the Bible mentions that it was used during battle in the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and was instrumental in a lot of the "miracles" and other supernatural phenomena associated with it, apparently including parting of waters and the taking of the city of Jericho. Does Islamic history also mention such powers emanating from the Ark of the Covenant?

Is there any account of it being used for the winning of battles and other such uses by the Islamic army? Could its use have been instrumental in the fast growth and expansion of the Muslim empire that eventually became larger and more powerful than the Roman Empire?

Does that also mean that the Ark of the Covenant was then hidden by the Muslims to be uncovered at a much later time?

Also, if such an artifact was found today would it be subject to intense scientific experimentation or revered and protected as a holy remnant?

The Ark had no miraculous powers and it was placed in the direction of the sacrifices the Israelites offered before God ALmighty, when they were wandering in the desert and outside Canaan. When the Israelites constructed the Temple, they placed this ark in the Holy of Holies.

It also served as a symbol of their national identity, and and the Phillistines had stolen it at one time, leading to a total loss of morale. It was in this context that Allah provided hope to the Israelites by returning it to them in a miraculous way, boosting their morale to the extent that they defeated their enemies.

As Moiz Amjad says:

The Ark was held in great reverence by the Israelites. Its presence was, in a way, symbollic of God's own presence among the Israelites. Thus, its presence in times of national distresses and in times of war was a source of tranquility and peace for the Israelites.

The verse provided by Yahya refers to this situation. The security being referred to is the tranmquility and peace of heart that was given to the Israelites upon witnessing this return, showing to them that God was with them. The relics of the progeny of Musa and Aaron are meant to emphasize the national identity the Ark served for them.

The reason the Quran actually mentions it, is because it is drawing parallels with the Muslim ummah, who had lost their attachment to the Ka'aba, which symbolized the covenant granted to ABraham (AS) and was the symbol of tawheed for the world. This Ka'aba also possessed relics of the legacy of Abraham and Ishmael and was representative of their natural identitiy. Allah was promising the return of the Ka'aba to the Muslims in the context of the directives of jihad. And Allah fulfilled his promise.

The Ark served no other function save this and if discovered by Muslims today, it would have to be protected by the Muslims under the principles of it's own faith, and that is freedom of religion. There would be no religious directive on what to do with it, i.e. should they keep it or hand it back to the Jews.
I would prefer the latter.

"Those who deny the strength of truth,
God does not give them courage." - Bulleh Shah

Re: Ark of the Covenant

Read your book "The Servant Queen - and the King she serves" yesterday. Was wondering why the Mishkan has not been Exhumed from below the Heelstone at Stonehenge yet? It is only 1.2 metres (4 feet) below that Rock for Pete's sake.

The Servant Queen was told 1st April 1961 by the King where the Mishkan was stored, and She promised to Exhume it exactly one (1) year after English Heritage was formed (1st April 1984, 1985). Why are those Relics still below the Stone?